So, after last weekend's longish trip to Villarceaux, this weekend saw a much shorter journey to la Foret Verte, about 15 minutes up the road from my house! Practice round was encouraging, and I was looking forward to it because they've never had a Grand Prix before.
Unfortunately, on my way to the course on Saturday morning, I witnessed a car accident, a guy wrote his car off against a tree, he then blamed me for having apparently ran a stop sign...I didn't really understand what he was telling me, and when he started filling forms in etc I didn't really know what to do. Long story short, I need to go to the insurance people tomorrow because he blamed me for everything, and I need to fight my corner...
So having not had the ideal start at all to the morning, and being lucky enough to profit from a cancellation so I could change my tee-time, I set about trying to get in the mood to play golf...
A first round 77 given the circumstances was nothing short of miraculous, don't know what I was running on, but hey. It could've been even better too if my 2nd shot at 17 hadn't plugged in the middle of the bunker behind the green, leading to a double bogey...
Today was a bit "After the Lord Mayor's show" really, had nothing left in the tank after the stress of yesterday both on and off the course, and the fact that the temperature was pushing 30 degrees didn't really help matters much. I'm not too bothered about the 82 really, just trying to take the positives out, the fact I didn't lose my temper for one, and the good shots I hit. All in all a very strange weekend, here's hoping that next weekend at Prieuré doesn't bring any unwanted surprises!
Ciao for now!
Mike x
Sunday, June 27, 2010
Monday, June 21, 2010
Grand Prix de Villarceaux...so near but yet so far
So...this weekend (June 19/20) saw me make the hour and a half trip from Rouen to Villarceaux, a woodland course with an old chateau for a clubhouse, and pretty much in the middle of nowhere...sadly forgot my camera so haven't got any photos :(
Practice round was interesting, especially on the greens, they were quite a bit faster than I've been used to out here so I tried to get as used to them as much as possible whilst trying to work out which holes I could attack. Very fair course I thought, reward for good shots, but you could run up serious numbers if you hit it in the wrong places, and so it began...
1st Round: 80 (+8)
This might seem like a big number, but sadly it was the last 4 holes that cost me dearly, one piece of bad luck, and one poor shot got me into big trouble. Started off with a steady par at the first, followed by bogeys at 2 and 3, both of which were tough holes, especially the 3rd (200 yard par 3 into the wind) steady pars at 4, 5 and 6 which was slightly disappointing seeing as 4 and 6 are both par 5's and then bogeyed 7 and 8...great 2putt on 9 from miles away, so reach the turn in +4, wasn't too disappointed and thought I could make some birdies on the back 9 to get back into it. The 10th is a longish par 5 with a narrow landing area and 2 big greenside bunkers...Hit a great drive that gave me the chance to attack the green in 2, so out came the 3 wood, and hit a great shot that just didn't cut enough, and ended up in the 2nd bunker, but pin high. All I had to do was get it out and I knew the ball would roll down the slope towards the flag. 60 degree lob wedge, perfect contact and....IN THE HOLE for an eagle 3, so back to +2!!! Bogey at 11, (tough uphill par 3) and then holed a chip and run on the par 5 12th for a birdie. So...feeling content at this stage, and confident I could maintain my form. 2 solid pars at 13 and 14 put me in good shape for the run-in to the clubhouse, and hit my 3iron onto the 15th fairway as I'd planned. The wind was swirling around and I was between clubs, so I chose an 8iron, and decided to play for the left half of the green where there was the most space. Just pulled it a fraction, pitched a yard too far, big kick....out of bounds! :( so made double bogey there, back to +4. Told myself not to worry, try and make 3 pars and 76 wouldn't be too far away. Drive on 16 just a bit too far left...massive bounce left....OB again! Another double...and +6. Again, composed myself and tried to make 2 pars to finish. Missed the green at 17 in completely the wrong place and made bogey, and lipped out for par on the 18th. So final score 80 having dropped 6 shots in the last 4 holes. On the drive home I analysed the round and took a lot of positives, and knew that a good score was possible on Sunday if i kept striking the ball as well as I had been...
2nd Round: 78 (+6)
The 2nd round started in as much the same vein as the first, solid par at 1, followed by par at 2 and bogey at 3. Tried to go for the green in 2 at the 4th, bad choice of shot really, and ended up making bogey there too! Solid par at 5, and made a great up and down on 6 for a birdie 4. The 7th was playing into quite a stiff breeze by now, absolutely caned my drive, but ended up in the fairway bunker. Fortunately it was lying on the upslope so i could get a 6iron on it, and hit it onto the front of the green. Sadly my first putt was woeful, but fortunately was able to hole the 2nd one for a par. Was unlucky on 8 to be behind a tree off the tee, but took my medicine and took double out of the equation by chipping it back onto the fairway and nearly saved par, but made bogey...and turned in +2. A great putt on 10 got me a birdie (not quite as good as yesterday, but still...) and got up and down at 11 for par. The 12th is a tricky par 5, and I wasn't sensible enough with my lay-up and ended up in the bunker short of the green. Didn't connect well with the shot and could only get it on the front of the green, pin on the back. Inevitably, a 3putt followed, so back to +2 for the round, and level for the back 9. Par at 13, and then a great 2nd shot into 14 which would set up a birdie. Par at 15, and split the fairway at 16 with my 3wood off the tee, again the wind was swirling around, and I tried to hit a low 6iron in, but just got it a bit left, and was in the greenside bunker, hit it out a bit too far, misjudged the chip coming back, and missed the putt, so a double bogey 6. Not gonna deny that thoughts of the previous round might have entered my head at this point, but they were quickly banished before arriving on the 17th tee, or so I thought...Missed the green right again, and hit what I thought was a good chip, but just stayed above the hole about 4 feet, leaving me a tricky putt downhill. Hit what I thought was a great putt, but it caught the left lip and went 6feet past and I missed the return, yet another double! And the 18th could only yield another bogey, just left myself too much to do with my chip.
So all in all there were lots of positives, but still I left with the slightly bitter aftertaste of having left 2 good scores out there, finishing 34th wasn't too bad at all, but could've done so much better. Lessons learned and will just try and play better at Foret Verte next weekend, at least it's nearer home!
Ciao for now
Mike x
Practice round was interesting, especially on the greens, they were quite a bit faster than I've been used to out here so I tried to get as used to them as much as possible whilst trying to work out which holes I could attack. Very fair course I thought, reward for good shots, but you could run up serious numbers if you hit it in the wrong places, and so it began...
1st Round: 80 (+8)
This might seem like a big number, but sadly it was the last 4 holes that cost me dearly, one piece of bad luck, and one poor shot got me into big trouble. Started off with a steady par at the first, followed by bogeys at 2 and 3, both of which were tough holes, especially the 3rd (200 yard par 3 into the wind) steady pars at 4, 5 and 6 which was slightly disappointing seeing as 4 and 6 are both par 5's and then bogeyed 7 and 8...great 2putt on 9 from miles away, so reach the turn in +4, wasn't too disappointed and thought I could make some birdies on the back 9 to get back into it. The 10th is a longish par 5 with a narrow landing area and 2 big greenside bunkers...Hit a great drive that gave me the chance to attack the green in 2, so out came the 3 wood, and hit a great shot that just didn't cut enough, and ended up in the 2nd bunker, but pin high. All I had to do was get it out and I knew the ball would roll down the slope towards the flag. 60 degree lob wedge, perfect contact and....IN THE HOLE for an eagle 3, so back to +2!!! Bogey at 11, (tough uphill par 3) and then holed a chip and run on the par 5 12th for a birdie. So...feeling content at this stage, and confident I could maintain my form. 2 solid pars at 13 and 14 put me in good shape for the run-in to the clubhouse, and hit my 3iron onto the 15th fairway as I'd planned. The wind was swirling around and I was between clubs, so I chose an 8iron, and decided to play for the left half of the green where there was the most space. Just pulled it a fraction, pitched a yard too far, big kick....out of bounds! :( so made double bogey there, back to +4. Told myself not to worry, try and make 3 pars and 76 wouldn't be too far away. Drive on 16 just a bit too far left...massive bounce left....OB again! Another double...and +6. Again, composed myself and tried to make 2 pars to finish. Missed the green at 17 in completely the wrong place and made bogey, and lipped out for par on the 18th. So final score 80 having dropped 6 shots in the last 4 holes. On the drive home I analysed the round and took a lot of positives, and knew that a good score was possible on Sunday if i kept striking the ball as well as I had been...
2nd Round: 78 (+6)
The 2nd round started in as much the same vein as the first, solid par at 1, followed by par at 2 and bogey at 3. Tried to go for the green in 2 at the 4th, bad choice of shot really, and ended up making bogey there too! Solid par at 5, and made a great up and down on 6 for a birdie 4. The 7th was playing into quite a stiff breeze by now, absolutely caned my drive, but ended up in the fairway bunker. Fortunately it was lying on the upslope so i could get a 6iron on it, and hit it onto the front of the green. Sadly my first putt was woeful, but fortunately was able to hole the 2nd one for a par. Was unlucky on 8 to be behind a tree off the tee, but took my medicine and took double out of the equation by chipping it back onto the fairway and nearly saved par, but made bogey...and turned in +2. A great putt on 10 got me a birdie (not quite as good as yesterday, but still...) and got up and down at 11 for par. The 12th is a tricky par 5, and I wasn't sensible enough with my lay-up and ended up in the bunker short of the green. Didn't connect well with the shot and could only get it on the front of the green, pin on the back. Inevitably, a 3putt followed, so back to +2 for the round, and level for the back 9. Par at 13, and then a great 2nd shot into 14 which would set up a birdie. Par at 15, and split the fairway at 16 with my 3wood off the tee, again the wind was swirling around, and I tried to hit a low 6iron in, but just got it a bit left, and was in the greenside bunker, hit it out a bit too far, misjudged the chip coming back, and missed the putt, so a double bogey 6. Not gonna deny that thoughts of the previous round might have entered my head at this point, but they were quickly banished before arriving on the 17th tee, or so I thought...Missed the green right again, and hit what I thought was a good chip, but just stayed above the hole about 4 feet, leaving me a tricky putt downhill. Hit what I thought was a great putt, but it caught the left lip and went 6feet past and I missed the return, yet another double! And the 18th could only yield another bogey, just left myself too much to do with my chip.
So all in all there were lots of positives, but still I left with the slightly bitter aftertaste of having left 2 good scores out there, finishing 34th wasn't too bad at all, but could've done so much better. Lessons learned and will just try and play better at Foret Verte next weekend, at least it's nearer home!
Ciao for now
Mike x
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Patience is a virtue....apparently i'm not virtuous!
Another fine example this weekend of how playing in team events makes me play better, and how playing on my own is still just one big frustration! 2 person team scramble on Saturday.... -7 gross, and I reckon i'd've shot -4 on my own. Sunday, individual stableford.... +10 and out with the washing! Having said that I let the group in front get to me after the 9th, so i'm just gonna put that one down to experience and try and learn to be a bit more patient, both on and off the course actually, wouldn't be a bad idea!
4 weeks to go until I leave France, really can't believe it's so close...still so much going on and lots of things to sort out! Also thinking about the numerous and inevitable goodbyes I'll have to say, and am not looking forward to it one bit because i've met so many great people since I've been here and it'll be difficult to leave them behind to start the next chapter.
Must go, time to put in another shift at the pub, and then tomorrow thoughts turn to preparing for the Grand Prix de Villarceaux this weekend, apparently it's a good course so should be interesting, try and play as well as possible and find some good form and confidence going into the home straight of tournaments before I leave.
Mike x
4 weeks to go until I leave France, really can't believe it's so close...still so much going on and lots of things to sort out! Also thinking about the numerous and inevitable goodbyes I'll have to say, and am not looking forward to it one bit because i've met so many great people since I've been here and it'll be difficult to leave them behind to start the next chapter.
Must go, time to put in another shift at the pub, and then tomorrow thoughts turn to preparing for the Grand Prix de Villarceaux this weekend, apparently it's a good course so should be interesting, try and play as well as possible and find some good form and confidence going into the home straight of tournaments before I leave.
Mike x
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Illness and inconsistency...
Hey all,
Results very up and down of late as you can see, struggling to find consistency in tournament play, but actually practicing well. I was fairly pleased with my 3 rounds at Léry in the Grand Prix (78, 79, 76) because I was at least consistent, even if it was consistently not quite good enough (I was 7 shots off the winner). Also the putter let me down in a big way, especially on the final day so need to work hard on that in the coming weeks. Luckily Nick has given me some good drills to try out,so will get cracking on them! I'm putting Sunday's blip down to the fact i've been really struggling with migraines since last Wednesday, have been to the doctor now and have medicine so everything should hopefully clear up quickly.
The departure from France is looming ever larger, can't believe I've only got 6 weeks left until I go home! Very mixed emotions about leaving, on the one hand i've been here for nearly 2 years, and will be leaving friends behind, but on the other hand, it'll be great to be close to friends and family again! Sorry if i'm repeating myself!
As far as tournaments go there's not much in the next couple of weeks, just club stuff at Mont-Saint-Aignan, but I am going to l'Isle L'Adam next Tues for the Regional Final of the Allianz Cup, so hopefully the weather will be nice! After the 13th June however, the big tournaments kick in before I come home, with Grand Prix at Villarceaux, Foret Verte, Prieuré and St. Nom la Breteche. I really couldn't ask for a better tournament to finish on, because St. Nom has hosted European Tour events in the past!
Right, time to get on....will update soon!
Mike x
Results very up and down of late as you can see, struggling to find consistency in tournament play, but actually practicing well. I was fairly pleased with my 3 rounds at Léry in the Grand Prix (78, 79, 76) because I was at least consistent, even if it was consistently not quite good enough (I was 7 shots off the winner). Also the putter let me down in a big way, especially on the final day so need to work hard on that in the coming weeks. Luckily Nick has given me some good drills to try out,so will get cracking on them! I'm putting Sunday's blip down to the fact i've been really struggling with migraines since last Wednesday, have been to the doctor now and have medicine so everything should hopefully clear up quickly.
The departure from France is looming ever larger, can't believe I've only got 6 weeks left until I go home! Very mixed emotions about leaving, on the one hand i've been here for nearly 2 years, and will be leaving friends behind, but on the other hand, it'll be great to be close to friends and family again! Sorry if i'm repeating myself!
As far as tournaments go there's not much in the next couple of weeks, just club stuff at Mont-Saint-Aignan, but I am going to l'Isle L'Adam next Tues for the Regional Final of the Allianz Cup, so hopefully the weather will be nice! After the 13th June however, the big tournaments kick in before I come home, with Grand Prix at Villarceaux, Foret Verte, Prieuré and St. Nom la Breteche. I really couldn't ask for a better tournament to finish on, because St. Nom has hosted European Tour events in the past!
Right, time to get on....will update soon!
Mike x
Friday, May 14, 2010
Long time, no speak....So much news!!!!
Hey everyone!
I know it's been such a long time since I've last posted, but everything's been really hectic! In serious news, I'm moving back to the UK in 9 weeks!!!! :D After nearly 2 years in Rouen I decided it was time for a change, and having not found a job elsewhere in France, home seemed like the best option. I'm definitely looking forward to being nearer my best friends and family for a while! :)
Now, golfing news...
Firstly, in December last year, the club asked me if i'd coach the Junior team for the Regional Team Championships, in March, seeing as I knew pretty much everyone from the academy. Naturally, I could only say yes! This was the first time that this had had taken place in Normandy, so everyone was very excited, and.... WE WON!!!! So proud of everyone that played and helped out: Louis, J-B, Zaza, Alex, Pierre, Robin, Alban and Bastien. It really was a team effort and everyone played their part, especially with the team spirit, everyone supported everyone else and I think that was the main reason we won, because on paper we weren't technically the best team in the region...
Now, on a personal note...very disappointed not to have been selected for the Nationals with the club, but just had to get on and deal with it and took advantage of the fact most of the better players were away, to win both competitions last weekend. The scores weren't great, but still, a win's a win! Really don't think my game is far away from turning in some good scores, just need to be a bit more positive on the course and a bit more consistent.
Right, I've waffled on long enough now, need to go and do some practice! Will update again soon.
Happy golfing!
Mike x
I know it's been such a long time since I've last posted, but everything's been really hectic! In serious news, I'm moving back to the UK in 9 weeks!!!! :D After nearly 2 years in Rouen I decided it was time for a change, and having not found a job elsewhere in France, home seemed like the best option. I'm definitely looking forward to being nearer my best friends and family for a while! :)
Now, golfing news...
Firstly, in December last year, the club asked me if i'd coach the Junior team for the Regional Team Championships, in March, seeing as I knew pretty much everyone from the academy. Naturally, I could only say yes! This was the first time that this had had taken place in Normandy, so everyone was very excited, and.... WE WON!!!! So proud of everyone that played and helped out: Louis, J-B, Zaza, Alex, Pierre, Robin, Alban and Bastien. It really was a team effort and everyone played their part, especially with the team spirit, everyone supported everyone else and I think that was the main reason we won, because on paper we weren't technically the best team in the region...
Now, on a personal note...very disappointed not to have been selected for the Nationals with the club, but just had to get on and deal with it and took advantage of the fact most of the better players were away, to win both competitions last weekend. The scores weren't great, but still, a win's a win! Really don't think my game is far away from turning in some good scores, just need to be a bit more positive on the course and a bit more consistent.
Right, I've waffled on long enough now, need to go and do some practice! Will update again soon.
Happy golfing!
Mike x
Friday, February 12, 2010
12/02
Hey all,
Got back from Spain today, had a great time, and played some great courses! Even the weather was OK, it was brilliant to finally get back on the links again and hit some (albeit at the beginning of the week, awful) good shots! If you ever go to the Marbella area, then playing La Reserva, Finca Cortesin and Aloha is a must, they're all fantastic courses and test your game in different ways. Will put pics and videos up ASAP, hopefully by the middle of next week. :)
Ciao for now!
Got back from Spain today, had a great time, and played some great courses! Even the weather was OK, it was brilliant to finally get back on the links again and hit some (albeit at the beginning of the week, awful) good shots! If you ever go to the Marbella area, then playing La Reserva, Finca Cortesin and Aloha is a must, they're all fantastic courses and test your game in different ways. Will put pics and videos up ASAP, hopefully by the middle of next week. :)
Ciao for now!
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Howdy!
Hey everyone, and welcome to my blog! I'm very new to this, so please bear with me, it might take a while to get everything sorted out...
The main aim of this is so I can keep you all updated on my results throughout this season, and hopefully for many more to come! :)
I'm really looking forward to this season, moreso than I have for a good few years, last year taught me a lot of things about myself, and my game, hopefully I can learn from them and that will make me a better and more consistent player.
I think that's all for now, I'll post again when I can, I'm off to Spain on sunday for a few days to practice in some (hopefully) warm weather, so fingers crossed that the weather holds, and that I can remember how to hit a golf shot, it's been a while because of the awful winter we've had!
Take care
Mike
The main aim of this is so I can keep you all updated on my results throughout this season, and hopefully for many more to come! :)
I'm really looking forward to this season, moreso than I have for a good few years, last year taught me a lot of things about myself, and my game, hopefully I can learn from them and that will make me a better and more consistent player.
I think that's all for now, I'll post again when I can, I'm off to Spain on sunday for a few days to practice in some (hopefully) warm weather, so fingers crossed that the weather holds, and that I can remember how to hit a golf shot, it's been a while because of the awful winter we've had!
Take care
Mike
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